Casa Pia, a Portuguese club with a colorful – albeit troubled – history, has made the return to Portugal’s Primeira Liga. This fantastic return follows an 83-year absence that’s nothing short of amazing, though! Founded in the wake of the devastating Lisbon earthquake of 1755, Casa Pia originated from a charitable orphanage, embodying a deep connection to the country's social and sporting fabric. This resilient club is now embracing a new chapter of success following its promotion to the top division in 2022.
In its founding years, Casa Pia became a dominant force in Portuguese football. In 1921, the team donned their jerseys when Portugal took to the pitch for its first international match against Spain. The club’s captain, Kennedy Olivares, captained the national team as well during this historic fixture. Casa Pia's prominence extended further when they were chosen as opponents for Benfica's new stadium inauguration in 1925.
Things went well for Casa Pia until fortune turned when they lost their top-flight status in 1939. The Portuguese government laid claim to their turf the next year for the basis of the monumental exposition in Lisbon. That fateful event signaled the beginning of a long decade out of the top flight. Indeed, Casa Pia faced more failures than successes over the decades. One highlight was that they played a season at the historic Estadio Nacional, home to the famous Celtic celebration of their European Cup victory in 1967.
Despite being booted out of the Estadio Pina Manique upon their promotion in 2022, the club has continued to make strides. Casa Pia is enjoying their first-ever season in the top-flight, showing their surprising competitiveness just last month with a stunning 1-0 win over Benfica. Plans were just getting off the ground to construct a new, modern stadium in Lisbon’s city center. This new venue, with a capacity of 6,000 seats, will be a generational move to ensure their club future remains solidly intact.
Casa Pia’s road back to relevance has been paved with long-term vision and grit. Tiago Lopes, the decisive architect of the club’s turnaround, reflected on the trials and tribulations endured throughout process.
"We had four players, one employee and 20 days to prepare for the season. We were getting relegated to the third division." – Tiago Lopes
The club's leadership recognized an opportunity within Portugal's market to enhance player development and establish an efficient process for success.
"We wanted something within Portugal because strategically the market is very appealing from a player development standpoint. It was an opportunity for something fresh, to put a process in place, to make it as efficient as possible and get things done." – Tiago Lopes
A notable example of this strategic approach is Saviour Godwin, who transitioned from Belgium's second division and emerged as one of Portugal's standout players.
"Saviour Godwin was in the second division in Belgium and he became one of the best players in Portugal." – Tiago Lopes
Casa Pia’s focus on developing talent certainly applies to their coaching staff just as much as it does their players. The club doesn’t shy away from taking risks on those that can impress via their ambition, enthusiasm and willingness to work together.
"Joao is one of the best coaches around. Yes, he is the youngest in the league but we are not afraid of taking risks on talent if they are passionate and they are eager to collaborate. He is also supported by specialists and that makes him better." – Tiago Lopes
The club's culture has become its competitive advantage, motivating players and coaches alike to strive for excellence and achieve greater heights.
"I think our culture has been our competitive edge. Players know that if they go the extra mile with us they will be rewarded, they are going to go on to bigger things. And it is the same with our coaches. You have a former Casa Pia coach at Manchester United…" – Tiago Lopes
As Casa Pia continues to orient itself towards long-term growth, finding a fixed home ground will certainly be high up on the list. The new proposed stadium in Montreal would bring a massive increase in new revenues and serve as a launching pad for further city-building efforts.
"There is capital on the horizon for us to tap into and that represents an opportunity. The new stadium will bring increased revenue too." – Tiago Lopes
The club’s rich legacy of engagement with community hubs is still a key motivator in the club’s present-day mission.
"This institution is so deep within the social and sporting movements in the country that it represents a chance to do a lot more within the community centres that still exist in Casa Pia. We feel that responsibility." – Tiago Lopes
Casa Pia’s incredible story started from very modest circumstances. Over the years, it had to overcome a lot of adversities, representing an authentic Cinderella story in Portuguese football.
"This has been indeed a Cinderella story for us so far. Now we move into that second stage of development." – Tiago Lopes
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